Former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Inusah Fuseini, has expressed his disappointment in the approach taken by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, in dealing with the issue of illegal mining in the region. Dr. Amoakohene recently issued a stern two-week ultimatum to illegal miners operating in forest reserves and waterways, warning them to vacate the area or face legal consequences. He emphasized his commitment to protecting natural resources and supporting President John Mahama’s vision of promoting responsible mining.
In response to this ultimatum, Mr. Fuseini expressed his belief that illegal miners should not be given a grace period to cease their activities. He argued that allowing them time to vacate the sites only highlights weaknesses in enforcement efforts. According to Mr. Fuseini, criminals should not be given the opportunity to prepare or exploit loopholes in the system. He compared the situation to catching someone defecating in your backyard and not giving them time to clean up, but rather ordering them to do so immediately.
Mr. Fuseini commended Professor Brown Klutse, the EPA Boss, for her bold and decisive actions in directly ordering illegal miners to leave forest reserves without hesitation. He emphasized the urgent need to tackle the issue of illegal mining, also known as galamsey, as it poses an existential threat. He maintained that the fight against galamsey should be carried out with full force and without offering any grace period to illegal miners.
In conclusion, Mr. Fuseini stressed the importance of swift and decisive action in addressing the illegal mining menace. He believes that offering grace periods to offenders only hinders the effectiveness of enforcement efforts. It is crucial to take a strong stance against illegal mining to protect the environment and natural resources for future generations.
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